Study suggests links between poor air quality and increased covid-19 infections

A new study is suggesting links between high air pollution and increased cases of coronavirus is scaring expats living in danger zones.

The new study, recently undertaken by the World Bank Group, seems to indicate that those living in highly polluted areas are at more risk of contracting the virus. Worse still, the study raises the possibility that the particles causing the pollution can actually transmit the virus. It also seems that high levels of PM25 particles can be used as a predictor of numbers of confirmed cases and hospital admissions.

Expats in Thailand may be more than unhappy at the news, as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and several other regions are infamous for their high pollution levels which peak during the dry season due to the burning of agricultural waste as well as increased traffic fumes. Several times over the past year, Chiang Mai has been noted as the world’s most polluted city as burning continued unchecked in the hills. Appeals to the junta government have been made by city authorities, but no action has been taken.

However, although Chiang Mai’s expat communities may well be alarmed by the results of the study, the local government has been successful in staving off the worst of the pandemic via the introduction of a curfew, strict rules as regards behaviour and even a fortunately short-lived ban on alcohol purchase and consumption. The majority of expats in the city are retirees, some of whom legally run small businesses in the hospitality sector and are suffering financially due to the lockdowns. Even so, many are joining together to collect donations and distribute foodstuffs to locals who’ve lost their jobs in the tourism sector and are unable to subsist without help.